Why Textbooks Still Matter in the Age of Apps
In an era of German learning apps, YouTube channels and online courses, the humble textbook might seem outdated. It is not. Apps are strong on vocabulary and habit-building but systematically weak on grammar explanation — and German grammar is a genuine system that requires explanation, not just pattern recognition. A good textbook provides what no app does: a coherent, sequenced grammar curriculum with exercises that build your understanding of the language's underlying logic.
This guide covers the best German books for every type of learner — beginners who need a structured course, intermediate learners wanting grammar depth, advanced learners ready for authentic German texts, and everyone who simply wants to read their way to fluency.
Best German Textbooks for Beginners (A1–A2)
Schritte Plus Neu — The Australian Favourite
Publisher: Hueber Verlag | Level: A1–B1 (6 volumes) | Price: ~A$55–$65 per volume
Schritte Plus Neu is the most widely used German beginner textbook in Australia and the one most commonly adopted by Goethe-Institut courses. It takes a communicative approach — every unit is built around realistic scenarios (at the doctor, at the supermarket, at work) with integrated grammar, listening, reading, writing and speaking components. The audio materials are excellent and the exercises progress logically.
The series runs from A1.1 (Volume 1) through to B1 (Volume 6), making it a complete A1–B1 curriculum in one consistent series. Buying one volume at a time is sensible — if you commit to the full series, you will be exam-ready for Goethe B1.
Pros: Comprehensive, clear grammar explanations, excellent audio materials, widely used in Australian German courses so tutors are familiar with it, complete A1–B1 series.
Cons: Relatively expensive to buy all six volumes, can feel dry for self-studiers without a teacher, scenarios are sometimes very formal.
Best for: Australians taking a Goethe-Institut or other formal German course, or serious self-studiers wanting a complete curriculum.
Menschen — Accessible and Modern
Publisher: Hueber Verlag | Level: A1–B1 (6 volumes) | Price: ~A$50–$60 per volume
Menschen is Schritte Plus Neu's main competitor and a worthy alternative. It uses more contemporary scenarios, a slightly lighter approach to grammar and more visually appealing design. Many learners find Menschen slightly more engaging than Schritte Plus, particularly for self-study, while Schritte Plus is often preferred by teachers for its systematic exercise progression.
Best for: Self-studiers who find Schritte Plus dry, learners who prefer a more visual, modern design.
Deutsch Perfekt Magazine
Publisher: Spotlight Verlag | Level: A2–C1 | Price: ~A$15/issue or subscription
Deutsch Perfekt is a monthly German-language magazine for learners, published in Germany and available by subscription in Australia. Each issue contains articles in graded German (A2, B1 and B2 levels colour-coded), grammar tips, vocabulary explanations and cultural content. It bridges the gap between textbook German and authentic German media in a uniquely accessible way.
Best for: A2 and above learners wanting engaging reading material that is not a textbook. Excellent for maintaining German habit between study sessions.
Best German Grammar References
Hammer's German Grammar and Usage — The Gold Standard
Publisher: Routledge | Level: A2–C2 | Price: ~A$85–$95
Hammer's German Grammar and Usage is the definitive English-language reference grammar for German. It covers every aspect of German grammar in exhaustive detail, with clear explanations, abundant examples and extensive exercises. It is not a course book — it is a reference work you dip into when you need to understand a specific grammar point in depth.
Every serious German learner above A2 should own a copy of Hammer's. When your textbook's explanation of the Dative case does not quite click, when you want to understand the exact rules for using Konjunktiv II, when you need to know the exceptions to adjective endings — Hammer's has the answer.
Pros: The most comprehensive English-language German grammar reference available, covers everything from basics to advanced nuances, excellent examples, index makes specific topics easy to find.
Cons: Expensive, very dense — not suitable as a primary learning resource, overwhelming for beginners.
Best for: A2 and above as a reference. Essential for B1–C2 learners.
German Grammar in Practice
Publisher: Hodder Education | Level: A1–B2 | Price: ~A$45–$55
A more accessible alternative to Hammer's, German Grammar in Practice presents German grammar in a learner-friendly format with clear explanations and ample practice exercises. It is less comprehensive than Hammer's but significantly more approachable for independent learners. Good for understanding specific grammar topics without getting overwhelmed by Hammer's density.
Best for: Beginners to intermediate learners who want grammar practice with clear explanations. Good companion to a primary course book.
Best German Readers and Books for Learners
Graded Readers — Easy German Readers Series
Publisher: Various (PONS, Hueber, Lernkrimi) | Level: A1–C1 | Price: ~A$20–$30 per book
Graded readers are short books written specifically for language learners at defined CEFR levels — vocabulary is controlled, sentence structures are appropriate for the level and grammar is managed. Reading German at your level (not above it) builds reading fluency, reinforces vocabulary in context and is far more enjoyable than textbook exercises.
Recommended series: PONS Lektüre zum Üben (A1–B2), Lernkrimi (crime mysteries at A2–B2), Hueber Leichte Lektüren (A1–B2). These are available from German bookshops online and Amazon. Look for books that include a glossary of difficult words on each page — this removes the dictionary dependence that interrupts reading flow.
Authentic German Books for Advanced Learners (B2–C2)
Once you reach B2, reading authentic German literature and non-fiction is both achievable and enormously beneficial. Recommended starting points for Australians:
- Der Vorleser (The Reader) by Bernhard Schlink — Contemporary novel, clear prose, historically significant. Often used in German university courses for intermediate learners.
- Gut gegen Nordwind by Daniel Glattauer — An epistolary novel (told through emails) with modern, accessible German. Engaging and highly readable.
- Die Welle (The Wave) by Morton Rhue (German edition) — Familiar storyline for English readers in clear German. Excellent B2 reading practice.
- Spiegel Geschichte / Zeit Geschichte magazines — History-focused editions of major German magazines in accessible but authentic German. Available in Australia via subscription.
Where to Buy German Books in Australia
- German Language School Bookshops — The Goethe-Institut Australia (Sydney and Melbourne) sells German textbooks and learning materials. Staff can advise on the right level.
- Amazon Australia (amazon.com.au) — Wide range of German textbooks and readers available with Australian delivery. Often cheaper than specialist bookshops.
- Book Depository — Competitive prices and free international shipping. Good selection of German learning books.
- Fishpond (fishpond.com.au) — Australian-based with good German textbook selection and no surprise shipping costs.
- German online bookshops — Thalia (thalia.de) and Hugendubel (hugendubel.de) ship to Australia. For graded readers and authentic German books, prices are lower and selection is far broader than Australian retailers.
- Kindle / eBooks — Many German textbooks and graded readers are available as Kindle editions, which are immediately available and often cheaper. The Kindle dictionary feature — tap a German word to see its definition — is invaluable for reading authentic German texts.
German Books FAQs for Australians
What is the best German textbook for self-study in Australia?
For absolute beginners: Menschen A1 (slightly more engaging for self-study) or Schritte Plus Neu A1 (more systematic). Both include audio files accessible via QR code or the publisher's website. Pair with the corresponding workbook for additional exercises.
Do I need to buy a German dictionary?
A physical German-English dictionary is less essential than it used to be — Google Translate, dict.cc (online and app) and the Kindle dictionary feature cover most needs effectively. If you prefer physical dictionaries, the Collins German Dictionary (Complete and Unabridged) is the standard Australian choice. For advanced learners, a German-German dictionary (Duden Deutsches Universalwörterbuch) is invaluable for understanding nuanced usage.
At what level should I start reading German books?
Start graded readers at A2 — this is where most learners have enough vocabulary to make reading enjoyable rather than exhausting. Begin with A2-level readers, move to B1 readers as your vocabulary grows, and attempt authentic German texts at B2. Do not wait until you feel "ready" — reading above your comfort zone (with a dictionary) is perfectly valid and often accelerates vocabulary acquisition.
Are German audiobooks useful for learning?
Yes — particularly for intermediate and advanced learners. Listening to a German audiobook while reading along with the text is one of the most effective combined reading/listening exercises available. Audible.de has a large German audiobook catalogue. For learners, start with audiobooks of texts you already know in English — familiarity with the storyline removes the cognitive load of comprehension and allows you to focus on the German.